Law Enforcement and You

Bucknell University Public Safety: Uniforms, Powers, and Jurisdiction

Bucknell Public Safety uniforms: French blue shirt and dark blue pants with a blue stripe, their patch reads "Public Safety" and is blue and orange. Public Safety patrols in marked, white vehicles with “Public Safety” on the side. All Public Safety officers have the same powers of arrest as local police.

The jurisdiction of the Bucknell University Public Safety Department (BUPS) is limited to all Bucknell University owned or managed property and the immediate adjacent streets and highways.

All off-campus areas are under the jurisdiction of the local police. Bucknell Public Safety patrols off-campus and may intervene when observing criminal behavior or at the request of the local police departments.

Bucknell Security Officers - Light blue shirt with light blue piping, blue patch that reads "Security," no arrest power but can detain and respond to all non-criminal complaints.

If You Are Stopped by Public Safety —

Refusing to identify yourself to an officer is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and you will be detained until your identity can be verified. Non-Bucknell ID holders refusing to identify themselves are presumed to not be affiliated with the University and can be arrested for trespassing. This includes guests from off-campus.

If stopped by Public Safety for a suspected alcohol violation, an officer will determine based on conversation, speech, eyes and body language the need to generate a report for underage consumption or public intoxication. If an officer believes that you’re intoxicated to the point of personal hazard or jeopardy the officer may request you take a breathalyzer test.

If asked by Public Safety to take a breathalyzer test you cannot refuse. Refusal to take the breathalyzer will result in additional Code of Conduct violations. The breathalyzer test will be administered until a usable standard result is provided, which is determined on a case-by-case basis. You can ask to see the results of the PBT readout. The PBT uses deep lung air samples and are not affected by mouthwash or other foreign objects. No waiting period will be granted.

All officers, local and Bucknell, may physically search you and the area adjacent (within arm’s reach) to you if they have reason to believe you are carrying a concealed weapon. If you are arrested for any crime a full search may be completed prior to or after transport to the police station or jail.

All officers, local and Bucknell, can detain you if they have probable cause to believe that you have committed, are committing, or are about to commit a crime or violation. If charges are sought, Bucknell University Public Safety will file criminal charges with the Magistrate’s Office and internal charges with the Dean of Students Office.

Upon request, the Officer will identify himself or herself by providing a name and unit number.

Buffalo Valley Regional Police: Jurisdiction

If You Are Stopped by Local Police —

Refusing to identify yourself to an officer is not a crime but you will be detained until your identity can be verified. You may also be placed in jail by the District Justice until your identity is verified. Providing false identification to law enforcement officers conducting an investigation is a crime.

If stopped by local police for a suspected alcohol violation, an officer will determine based on conversation, speech, eyes and body language the need to generate a criminal citation for underage consumption or public intoxication or minor in possession of alcohol. If an officer believes you are intoxicated to the point of personal hazard or jeopardy the officer may request you take a breathalyzer test.

You CAN refuse to take a breathalyzer test if requested to take one from the local police. They cannot charge you with any additional crimes for refusing the breathalyzer. Pedestrians and passengers in vehicles are not required to take the breathalyzer. Exception: You MUST take a breathalyzer test if you are stopped while operating a motor vehicle. Refusal to take a breathalyzer when stopped while driving a vehicle may result in the loss of your license.

You are not required to provide any information that could be used against you such as how much you have drunk or where.

All officers, local and Bucknell, may physically search you and the area adjacent to you if they have reason to believe you are carrying a concealed weapon. If you are arrested for any crime a full search may be completed prior to or after transport to the police station or jail.

All officers, local and Bucknell, can detain you if they have probable cause to believe that you have committed, are committing, or are about to commit a crime or violation. If charges are sought they will file them with the Magistrate’s Office. You may be held for arraignment for up to six hours. The Dean of Students office receives all citations and reports generated by Buffalo Valley Regional Police for internal processing and adjudication.

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